Sesame-Crusted Tofu with Spicy Soy Dipping Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Pan-fried tofu coated in toasted sesame seeds served alongside a spicy, tangy soy dipping sauce for a flavorful vegetarian appetizer or light meal. This asian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 37 minutes pairs firm tofu, sesame seeds, cornstarch for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Drain and press 400 grams firm tofu for 20 minutes to remove excess water. Cut tofu into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Step 2: In a shallow dish, combine 1/3 cup sesame seeds and 2 tablespoons cornstarch, mixing well.
  3. Step 3: Lightly coat each tofu cube in the sesame-cornstarch mixture, pressing gently to adhere a crust.
  4. Step 4: Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add tofu cubes and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and sesame seeds are toasted.
  5. Step 5: While tofu cooks, whisk together 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce, and 1 teaspoon minced garlic in a small bowl.
  6. Step 6: Remove tofu from skillet and plate. Drizzle with or serve alongside the spicy soy dipping sauce and garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped scallions.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sesame-Crusted Tofu with Spicy Soy Dipping Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 37 minutes (25 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Sesame-Crusted Tofu with Spicy Soy Dipping Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sesame-Crusted Tofu with Spicy Soy Dipping Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Sesame-Crusted Tofu with Spicy Soy Dipping Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Sesame-Crusted Tofu with Spicy Soy Dipping Sauce vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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